Breaking news: They're out of salsa. Credit: Photo by Richard Whittaker

If you were wondering exactly what the mad, frenzied and exotic life of a debate-covering journalist is really like, here’s what it is: two hundred people, watching plasma screens, taking photos of other people watching plasma screens.

The most recent highlight is that we just opened a bag of complimentary nuts, and it has pumpkin seeds. Woot!

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.